How to Qualify For
Veterans Disability Compensation
If you're a veteran with an injury or illness brought on by military service, you might qualify for veterans disability compensation. The process isn't easy.
It is best to submit your claims documents as soon as you are able to. VA requires time to review them and assign a rating to your claim.
Service-Connected Disabilities
Disabilities that are service-related are those that have been caused or exacerbated by military service. They include physical health issues like chronic knee injuries or Lou Gehrig's disease as well as mental health problems such as PTSD. It also includes recurrent illnesses, such as chronic skin conditions that require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments and devices. Veterans with this kind of condition are usually qualified for compensation and other services. This includes free health care, prescription medications and other benefits.
To prove that they have a connection to their service veterans must provide medical evidence that ties their condition to their military service. This is usually based on service treatment records. However independent medical opinion and nexus letter can also help.
The VA utilizes a rating system that is based upon Congressional law to determine which conditions are qualified for compensation and in what percentage. In general, the higher the disability rating, the more benefits available.
A 100 100% permanent and total disability rating is the highest level that can be achieved rating, meaning that a veteran isn't able to pursue any type of job that is lucrative. Those who are rated this high are likely to be eligible for additional monthly benefits known as Aid and Attendance. This allows disabled veterans or their spouse who is surviving to receive assistance with daily chores like washing, dressing and cleaning, eating, and addressing the needs of nature. This includes arranging transportation and making home modifications to make the home more accessible.
Permanent disabilities that are total
For many Veterans for many, a VA determination of disability is an essential lifeline. The extra money earned from a disability check is tax free making it extremely affordable and very beneficial. It might not be enough to pay for the mortgage, but it will provide food on the table, and also help children through college. It could mean the difference between poverty and having a house and a car.
After a claim for a veteran has been approved at the Regional Office and they have been approved, they will be issued a Rating Decision. The decision lists their conditions that are connected to service and assigns a disability rating to each. In some instances, a single condition is rated 100 percent, while in other instances, multiple conditions are grouped into what's called a Total Disabled Individual Unemployment (TDIU) rating. TDIU means that the combined effects of all your conditions hinder you from holding a job that is essentially lucrative employment, which is an indefinite designation.
You can apply for an upgrade to a permanent rating if you have a TDIU. In order to do this, you have to file a claim for Special Monthly Compensation. This is a benefit that the VA pays to veterans who are permanently totally disabled as a result of an amputation or loss of use of organs or body parts. This is a permanent distinction however, the C&P examiner can reduce the rating if they find that your limitations have improved or are likely to improve in the future.
Disabilities that are a result of Service
Many veterans suffer from illnesses that have a major impact on their ability to work and live an active life. This includes chronic mental health issues, pain (like PTSD) and injuries. Disability compensation can help
veterans disability lawsuit to offset the financial burden of these ailments. These conditions can be extremely severe and last for a long time.
The VA utilizes an assessment system that rates disabilities to determine the extent of the disability and calculate benefit amounts. The ratings range between 0% and 100 percent with higher percentages indicating greater levels of disability. The rating is based on a number of aspects, including the impact the injury or illness caused on the veteran's daily life and daily activities.
In some instances some cases, veterans might be able to prove a direct connection to their condition. For instance, a traumatic brain injury or a paralysis can be considered direct service connection when there is evidence of the injury or illness occurring during military service. Certain conditions, such as depression, tinnitus and anxiety disorders could be considered secondary conditions and not directly related to military service.
To claim benefits, veterans need to submit as as much medical evidence and other documentation as they can. This could include private medical records and service treatment records. The support of a County Veterans Service Office or Veterans Service Representative can also accelerate the process of submitting claims. It is important to be as exact as possible when reporting dates of treatment, and to forward requested information to the VA as soon as possible.
PTSD
If you've experienced a traumatic event, it may have lasting effects on your mind and body. This can include flashbacks and nightmares, difficulty concentrating at work or school as well as feelings of fear and horror, and a loss of interest in activities you used to love. It can also trigger depression or anxiety and can lead to substance abuse, especially in teenagers and young adults.
There are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get back in the right direction and help reduce the symptoms. The majority of the time they require psychological therapies like counseling or talk therapy. However, medication can also be utilized.
Research on PTSD has shown that the condition isn't just caused by trauma but changes in how your brain functions. It can also be exacerbated by personal and environmental factors like living in conflict zones or having an history of mental illness.
Mental health problems such as PTSD are regarded as "high value" claims by VA because they are more difficult to prove using medical evidence than ailments like neurological, skin or auditory issues. In addition, veterans with disabilities in their mental health are more likely to be awarded a disability rating that is 30% or greater than those who suffer from other ailments.